Time controlled switch



March 31, 1936.

J. W. LUOMA TIME CONTROLLED SWITCH Filed June 25, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l March 31, 1936. w LUQMA 2,035,712

TIME CONTROLLED SWITCH Filed June 25, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 gym UMP John lflLuoma,

Patented Mar. 31, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application June 25,

6 Claims.

My invention relates to a mechanism for producing a quick and timed action for controlling the switching on and off of an electric circuit, and it consists in the constructions, arrangements and combinations herein described and claimed.

It is a primary purpose of the invention to provide a mechanism cooperable with a clock train which is adjustable to provide action of a switch at any interval of time within the 24 hours of the day, and automatically repeating so long as the spring of the clock works remains properly wound.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a suitable alarm mechanism which will remain silent during switching off circuit, but which Will be operative to sound the alarm when the switch is actuated to the on position.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a simple unit, inexpensive to construct and convenient for general use, such as for automatically switching the parking lights of automobiles, anchor lights of water-craft; lights of display windows, lights of poultry houses and for many other purposes where a timed actuation of an electrical switch for control of appliances may be required.

Additional objects, advantages and features of invention will be apparent from the following description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a front elevation of my device.

Figure 2 is an enlarged plan View with the dial removed,

Figure 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure l.

Figure 4 is a detail of the escapement, taken on the line 3-3.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cam embodied in the escapement.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the gate member.

Figure '7 is a side elevation of one of the adjustment pointers.

Figure 8 is a similar view of the other adjustment pointer.

Figure 9 is an edge view of the control gear.

Figure 101s a plan view thereof.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view illustrating the gearing for actuating the switch when the alarm mechanism is to be omitted.

As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 11, I employ a clock I6 having any suitable casing within which a standard clockworks frame II is mounted. The frame ll includes the usual clock works; for

1935, Serial No. 28,316

actuating the minute hand I2 and the hour hand l3, the clock works mechanism being well understood in the art, and therefore is not shown in detail, it being thought sufficient to explain that my mechanism is actuated through the time- 5 keeping gears l4l4a, the former of which is keyed to the hour hand arbor IS.

A sleeve I6 is journalled in the side members of the frame ll, terminating exteriorly of the casing at the rear, in a knob member H, by means of which the sleeve and associated parts may be rotated, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter. The opposite end of the sleeve projects slightly beyond the side member Nb of the frame and terminates in a tooth IS. The tooth l8 lies in a plane parallel with the shaft and functions as a part of a clutch, as will presently appear.

As may be seen from Figure 3, a hollow shaft I9 is revolubly mounted in the sleeve l6, and includes an integral knob 29, the opposite end of the shaft having fixed thereto an adjustment pointer 2|, and also a tooth 22. The tooth 22 lies in a plane coincident with the shaft [9 and in opposed relation to the tooth IS. The knob il, in the present instance, is shown as an open ring member 23 of a size to revolubly receive the knob 26 therein and in order to frictionally bind the sleeve is and the shaft l9 together for manipulation at times, I provide a light leaf spring 24, which is interposed between the ring 23 and the knob 20. By this construction the shaft I9 will be frictionally held to the sleeve, whereby the sleeve and shaft may be given unitary rotation by actuation of the knob l I, yet the shaft [9 may be rotated independently of the sleeve through actuation of the knob 20. The sleeve I6 is frictionally retained in the bearing [6a so that the indicator 26 will not be moved when the knob 20 is rotated.

A shaft 25 is provided, one end of which is fixed to the ring 23, this shaft extending through the hollow shaft l9 and of a length to position an adjustment pointer 26 slightly beyond the pointer 2|. These pointers 2 l26 will obviously be moved upon actuation of the sleeve 16 and shaft l9, and function to set the time at which the switch mechanism is to be operated, the pointer 2| indicating the oil actuation of the switch, while the pointer 26 will control the on action of the switch. Therefore, these pointers will bear appropriate legends, and will function in conjunction with markings representing 24 hours, the markings being divided in two divisions, namely, A. M. and P. M. These markings are indicated at 21 upon the dial 28, and preferably the dial is cut away as at 29, to admit the pointers therethrough, and also serves as a sight opening, as will be subsequently described.

As has been explained, the sleeve l6 and the shaft 59 are arranged in concentric relation, and it should be noted that the sleeve I6 is of lesser length than the shaft l9 in order to accommodate a gear 36 therebetween. The gear 36 includes a hub 3i through which the shaft l9 projects, whereby the gear is revolubly mounted, and this gear is also longitudinally shiftable upon the shaft 19 through actuation of a shipper lever 32, as will be understood as the description proceeds.

The hub 3| is of a length to occupy the space between the opposed teeth l6 and 22 which is essential to maintain the gear in a neutral position, as shown in Figure 3, but in order that the gear 36 may be moved into engagement with respective teeth I8 and 22, at times, the hub 3| is provided with a pair of slots 3334, the slot 33 receiving the tooth I8 when the gear 36 is moved in the direction thereof, while the slot 34 will accommodate the tooth 22 when the hub 3| is shifted thereinto.

A pointer 35 is carried by the gear 30 which is discernible through the aperture 29 of the dial, this pointer functioning to indicate the period and time. These indicators, 2lI-26 and 35, together with the divided'markings of the 24 hours form an obvious unmistakable, visual relation by which every individual person can promptly and certainly set the adjustments, even if the clock has stopped for some reason, the pointer 35 showing whether the switch will be actuated during the A. M. or P. M. period.

Attention is now particularly directed to Figures l and 2 of the drawings, wherein it will be seen that the shaft 36 of the gear I la mounts a gear 31, this latter gear being in mesh with the gears i4 and 30.

Since the gear 30 must partake of longitudinal shifting movements, the gear 31 is of a length or height to permit such movement, the teeth of the gear 33 being slidable between the teeth of the gear 31. From the foregoing, it will be apparent that when the gears l4-|4a are rotated through the clockworks mechanism rotation of the gear 30 will be efiected by virtue of the gear 31.

The shipper lever 32 includes a forked end 38 engaged within a collar 39 of the gear 35 and is pivoted intermediate its length as at 4!] to a mounting 4|. The free end of the shipper lever 32 is notched as at 42 and receives therein, at times, a tooth 43 of a sliding lever 44. The lever 44 is actuated through a suitable pull-button 45 exposed to the exterior of the casing of the clock. It will be apparent that when the lever M is moved inwardly to engage the tooth 43 in the notch 42, the shipper lever 32 will be held against movement in either direction, and consequently, the gear 30 will be held in neutral position free of engagement with either of the teeth l822.

The description thus far has dealt with the time mechanism and the switch actuating and alarm means and its association with the timing mechanism will now be described.

A shaft 46 is mounted in the frame I I to which there is secured a clock spring 41, the shaft tending to rotate the gear 48' fixed thereto under action of the spring. The shaft 46 will of course include a key 56a, whereby the spring 6? may be properly wound. The gear 48 is in mesh with a gear 49 carried by the shaft 50. The shaft 56 is :suitably journalled in the frame H and projects therebeyond, that end terminating in the proximity of the dial of the clock having secured thereto a cam 55, the opposite end having integrally connected therewith a switch head 52. The cam and head will be rotated in unison with the shaft 53, the cam 51 being intermittently rotatable be-' tween a gateway defined by a pair of pins 53 formed upon the shipper lever 32.

The cam 5| is a circular disk having a pair of oliset lugs 54, and a. similar pair of lugs 55. The lugs 53 are disposed diametrically opposite each other, as are the lugs 55, and the paired lugs project in opposite directions. Thus, with the cam positioned in the gateway of the lever, either a lug 5A or 55 will be in contact with one of the pins 53. Under actuation of the shipper lever 32, the next oppositely disposed lug of the cam will be brought into engagement with the other pin.

Thus the cam and gateway permit intermittent rotation of the shaft 53 which functions to control the switch. In order that undue movement of the cam 5! will be prevented during windingof the spring ll, notches 55a are formed in the periphery of the disk, between the opposed lugs, permitting entrance of one of the pins 53 thereinto. These notches 5la are shallow enough to permit escape of the pin upon actuation of the shipper lever 32.

The switch includes a stationary head 56 having contacts 51 to which electric cables 58 are connected, these cables being associated with a source of current and the lights or other appli- The switch structure and means for operat-' ing the same is of the simple type in which no alarm mechanism is employed, and as shown, in Figure 11. However, in Figure 3, I have illustrated a structure wherein an alarm mechanism may be actuated through rotation of the shaft 46, and for this purpose, a gear 6| is secured to the shaft 46 which is in driving engagement with a gear 62 on the shaft 50. The gear 6| is provided with teeth around but one-half its circumference, so that during one-half its rotation no movement will be imparted to the gear 62, permitting the sounding of the alarm only during one-half revolution of the gear 6|. A bell-hammer 63 is rockably mounted upon a shaft 64, the hammer being adapted to strike a suitable bell (not shown), and in order to provide motion to the shaft 64, the shaft is provided with a trigger 65 which is disposed in the path of rotation of a gear 66 which is connected in parallel relation 66, the opposite end extending beyond the casing r of the clock where it may be readily rocked upon its pivot 68, so as to move the gear 62 into and out of engagement with the gear 6|. Thus, the alarm operation may be made optional. In the disengaged position of the gears, the gear 66 will engage a toe 69 on the trigger, thereby preventing undue movements or clicking noises.

The ope-ration The operation will be substantially as follows, it being assumed that the clockworks spring and switch are fully wound, and the clockworks in operation, and that the switch is to be operated to the on position at 8 oclock, P. M., and to be switched to the off position at 6 oclock, A. M. (See Fig. 1.) The setting of the pointers 2| and 26 having been moved to their positions through actuation of their respective knobs IT and 20. In this position of the parts, the gear 30 is in neutral position. as shown in Figure 3, the hour gear l4 transmitting rotary motion to the gear 36, by virtue of the gears Ma and 31, and the shaft 46 being under tension of the spring 41, tending to rotate the cam 5| through the gateway of the lever 32. However, one of the pins 53 is engaged in one of the notches 5Ia and abutting one of the lugs 54 or as the case may be. Now when the gear 36 has been rotated so as to align the slot 33 with the tooth l8 or the slot 34 with the tooth 22, which will be determined by the position of the lever 32 and the lug of the cam which is engaging the gateway. As soon as either of the teeth and slots are aligned the lug of the cam will shunt the lever 32 moving the gear 30 so as to receive the tooth in the slot. When this action occurs the shaft 46 will be revolved a quarter turn, a similar movement being imparted to the cam 51, bringing the next lug into engagement with the other pin 53. Such engagement of the pin and lug will shunt the shipper lever 32 to a neutral position in readiness for the next actuation of the clock to move the switch to an off position which would, in the present instance, occur at 6 oclock A. M., brought about by aligning the proper slot and tooth.

Obviously, when the shaft 46 is rotated, rotary motion will be imparted to the shaft 50, by the gears 48--49, with consequent actuation of the switch. Also, it will be apparent that the alarm mechanism will be operated upon actuation of the shaft 59, although as previously explained, the alarm may be rendered inactive through the lever 61. Further, should it not be desired to have the switch operate, for any reason, the gear 36 may be held in neutral position by engaging the tooth 42 in the notch 43.

While I have described certain preferred constructions, I am well aware that changes may be made, and I therefore consider as my own all such modifications as fairly fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:-

1. In a time controlled switch, a clockworks, a dial therefore having an aperture, markings on the dial representing A. M. and P. M. periods of time, adjustable indicators cooperative with the markings on the dial, a switch, means for intermittently rotating the switch according to 1 the setting of the adjustable indicators, and a further indicator discernible through the aperture and movable by the clockworks to indicate the time on a twenty-four hour dial.

2. In a time controlled switch, a clockworks, an hour gear associated therewith, a gear driven thereby and being laterally shiftable, a switch, means for actuating the switch intermittently, a lever associated with said means and said second named gear, the lever being moved laterally, alternatively, upon actuation of the switch, a

dial for the clock having an aperture, markings on the dial representing A. M. and P. M. periods of time, adjustable indicators cooperative with the markings on the dial, and a further indicator on the second named gear and discernible through the aperture to indicate the time on a twenty-four hour dial.

3. ma time controlled switch, a clockworks including-a dial having an aperture, said clockworks having a sleeve journalled in the frame thereof, a hollow shaft journalled within the sleeve and projecting therebeyond defining a bearing, a revoluble and laterally shiftable gear on the bearing, a spindle within the hollow shaft and terminating therebeyond, an pointer on one end of the spindle, an indicating pointer on one end of the hollow shaft, an operating knob on the sleeve including an open ring, an operating knob on the hollow shaft and disposed within the ring member, said spindle being fixed to the ring member, a leaf spring interposed between the ring member and the knob of the hollow shaft whereby to frictionally hold the sleeve and shaft for unitary or separate manual rotation for setting of the indicating pointers, clockwise gears for rotating the gear member, a switch, means tending to rotate the switch, a cam member associated with the switch, a shipper lever connected with the shiftable gear and the cam, and said cam having means for intermittently swinging the lever and gear to release the cam for partial rotation when said gear has reached a point in its rotation determined by said indicating pointers.

4. In a time controlled switch, a clockworks including a dial having an aperture, said clockworks having a sleeve journalled in the frame thereof, a hollow shaft journalled within the sleeve and projecting therebeyond defining a bearing, a revoluble and laterally shiftable gear on the bearing, a spindle within the hollow shaft and terminating therebeyond, an indicating pointer on one end of the spindle, an indicating pointer on one end of the hollow shaft, an operating knob on the sleeve including an open ring, an operating knob on the hollow shaft and disposed within the ring member, said spindle being fixed to the ring member, a leaf spring interposed between the ring member and the knob of the hollow shaft whereby to frictionally hold the sleeve and shaft for unitary or separate manual rotation for setting of the indicating pointers, clockwork gears for rotating the gear member, a switch, means tending to rotate the switch,

a cam member associated with the switch, a

shipper lever connected with the shifter gear and the cam, said cam having means for intermittently swinging the lever and gear to release the cam for partial rotation when said gear has reached a point in its rotation determined by said indicating pointers, and manually operated means for holding said shipper lever against movement by the cam.

5. In a time controlled switch, a clockworks including a dial having an aperture, said clockworks having a sleeve journalled in the frame thereof, a hollow shaft journalled within the sleeve and projecting fherebeyond defining a bearing, a revoluble and laterally shiftable gear on the bearing, a spindle within the hollow shaft and terminating therebeyond, an indicating pointer on one end of the spindle, an indicating pointer on one end of the hollow shaft, an operating knob on the sleeve including an open ring, an operating knob on the hollow shaft and disposed within the ring indicating member, said spindle beingfixed to the ring member, a leaf spring interposed between thering member and the knob of the .hollow shaft whereby to frictionally hold the sleeve and shaft for unitary or separate manual rotation for setting of the indicating pointers, clockwise gears for rotating the gear member, a shaft revolubly mounted in the clockwork frame, a switch head carried thereby and operable to control an electrical circuit, a second shaft within the frame, spring means tending to rotate the shaft, gear means connecting the shafts, a cam member carried by the first named shaft, said cam member having oppositely disposed lugs, a shipper lever associated with the shiftable gear and pivoted intermediate its length, said lever having a gateway through which said cam member is movable, said gateway comprising pin members alternately 'engageable with the lugs of the cam.

6. In a time controlled switch, a clockworks including a dial having an aperture, markings on the dial representing 'A. M. and P. M. periods of time, said clockworks having a sleeve frictionally journalled within the frame thereof, a hollow shaft journalled within the sleeve and projecting therebeyonddefining a bearing, friction means for holding the-sleeve and shaft for unitary and independent rotation, a spindle carried by the hollow shaft and terminating therebeyond, an indicator'pointer on one end of the spindle, an indicator pointer on the hollow shaft, said indicators being cooperable with the markings on the dial, a gear on'the bearing and including a hub, said hub having opposed open ended slots, a tooth carried by the sleeve and cooperable with one of the slots, a. tooth on the spindle and cooperable with the other of said slots, clockwork gears for rotating the gear, a shaft carried by the clockwork frame, a switch fixed thereto for control of an electrical circuit, a cam on said shaft, a second shaft journalled in the frame, spring means tending to rotate the shaft, a gear train connecting the shafts, a shipper lever connected with said first named gear, said lever having a pair of spaced pins defining a gateway through which said cam may move, said cam having oppositely disposed lugs for alternately engaging said pins upon movement of said first named gear upon alignment of a respective tooth and slot.

JOHN WILLIAM LUOlVlA. 

